Epiphone Japan Non-Export Models

flyguitar · Not So Newbie Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 9

If looking for a Epiphone, i would consider buying a Made In Japan Non Export Model. They are much closer to a Gibson, quality, headstock, hardware, woods..... I think for the money, they are a great deal. You can find them on Ebay or just search Google. You will find someoen selling them. They may cost more than a guitar Center Epiphone, but less than a Custom Shop Gibson.

flyguitar · Not So Newbie Joined: 24 May 2007 Posts: 9

Gibson built guitars in JAPAN at the Fujigen-Gakki factory where the now famous Orville/Gibsons were made strictly for the Japanese market and were not exported to the USA. These great guitars were crafted in Japan under the name of Orville until 1998. Gibson USA would not allow Japan to sell Orville/Gibson models on the open US market because they are too good and would create heavy competition for Gibson USA considering they are a third less in price. The Orville/Gibson Les Pauls play and sound as good as the American Les Pauls according to reviews on Harmony Central and this particular guitar plays better than most American Pauls. This Orville Les Paul is equal to the Gibson Historic Models as it does feature the "Long Neck Tenon". This feature is not found on the other USA Gibson Les Pauls.